Manna and Coffee

My daughter, Kennedy, began bringing home these rubber band bracelets a few weeks ago. At first, I questioned where they were coming from but soon realized that these cute bands were the newest fad for school aged children. They come in all sorts of shapes and colors; the kids spend their recesses trading them with each other.

I was able to see first hand the immediate bond that these rubber bands created between my daughter and other children. While waiting for Bella’s shots, Kennedy was able to make a few friends and connect to other children in the office. They didnt know her name, or where we lived, or whether we were rich or poor. The children simply had a connection by the bracelets that they were wearing.

I was intrigued – to say the least. Kennedy had no reservations walking up to a complete stranger and striking up a conversation. She wasnt worried about what they might think or how they would feel about her. She simply knew that they had something in common and she took that step. She made herself vulnerable to others without a care in the world. Shouldn’t we as Christians be the same way?

We, as Christians, should be different or uncommon. There should be something about us that stands out and invites others in. Christ’s love and salvation should be the mark that sets us apart but also the uncommon factor that invites others in. I know it isnt always as easy to see as a silly band/bracelet – but shouldnt it be? Shouldn’t our lives be marked with the band of Christ? With this band we should feel free to walk up to others- unafraid, without reservation and begin the trading of love, prayer, forgiveness, and servanthood.

I have a group of tight knit friends and we fit together pretty well. I once had a woman in church tell me that if she was new to the church, it would be our group she would want to be friends with because we were always laughing and having fun. She followed up that compliment with, ” But I wouldnt know how to get into YOUR group”. This single sentence floored me. Had I become part of that “clique” I had always hated. And so our groups motto became – Now Accepting New Friends!

We never wanted another woman to feel as though she wasnt welcome to become a part of us. We want others to know that we welcome people and have the desire to step out and invite others in. We do have a lot of fun, we laugh, cry, get ourselves into trouble; but above all, we love Christ individually and as a core group. We complete each other and our love for one another is something that I have never experienced before in my life. Its something that brings tears to my eyes just thinking about. How blessed am I to have such amazing women in my life.

There are other women out there who are suffering – crying out for the uncommon “fad”. Someone to step forward, willing to make a trade and invite her in. Are you that woman? Are you seeking or are you reaching? Are you seeking for new friends or are you reaching to bring people in? As women, we shouldnt need to wear bands, tshirts, or advertise to let people know that we are open to loving others. It should be seen in our actions, the smiles on our faces and the embraces we freely give.

John 13:34-35 says – A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another ( New International Version).

We need to love each other. Today, promise to make an effort in loving others. To wear that band proudly, the new fad, and step out like a child. Make yourself vulnerable, look others in the eye, and give of yourself freely. There is nothing more rewarding than feeling completely loved and being able to show that same love to someone in need. Love to all of you – Jen